New Testament
Mark
The suffering Servant in action: fast-paced narrative of Jesus' ministry.
16 chapters
Chapters
Mark 1
The chapter begins with John the Baptist preaching repentance for the remission of sins. Jesus is baptized by John and then tempted in the wilderness for 40 days. After his temptation, Jesus preaches the gospel of the kingdom of God and calls Simon, Andrew, James, and John to follow him. He heals many people, including a leper, and casts out devils.
Mark 2
Jesus heals a paralytic man by forgiving his sins and then physically healing him. He also calls Levi to follow him as a disciple, which sparks criticism from the Pharisees who question Jesus' association with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus responds that he came to call sinners to repentance and explains why his disciples do not fast.
Mark 3
Jesus enters a synagogue where he heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, prompting criticism from Pharisees who plot against him. He then appoints twelve apostles to preach and heal, but faces opposition from scribes who accuse him of being possessed by Beelzebub. Jesus responds with parables about Satan's inability to divide himself and the importance of doing God's will.
Mark 4
Jesus teaches by parables about the kingdom of God, explaining how seeds are sown in different types of soil, resulting in varying levels of fruitfulness. He warns that Satan can snatch away the word from those who hear it, and that worldly cares can choke out faith. The chapter concludes with Jesus calming a storm on the sea.
Mark 5
Jesus arrives in the country of the Gadarenes, where he encounters a man possessed by an unclean spirit, known as Legion. The demon is cast out and enters into a nearby herd of swine, causing them to run violently down a steep place into the sea. Meanwhile, Jesus heals a woman with an issue of blood and raises a 12-year-old girl from the dead.
Mark 6
Jesus returns to his hometown with his disciples. He is met with skepticism and resistance from the people, who question how he can perform miracles in a place where they know him personally. Jesus sends out the twelve apostles two by two to preach repentance and heal the sick, but Herod Antipas mistakenly believes John the Baptist has risen from the dead after seeing Jesus' miracles. Meanwhile, Jesus feeds a crowd of about 5,000 men with five loaves and two fish, and later walks on water to calm a stormy sea.
Mark 7
The Pharisees criticize Jesus' disciples for eating with unwashed hands, but Jesus responds by pointing out that true defilement comes from within. He then heals a woman's daughter who is possessed by an unclean spirit and cures a deaf man with an impediment in his speech.
Mark 8
Jesus feeds a crowd of about 4,000 people with seven loaves of bread and a few small fish. He then enters a ship with his disciples and travels to Dalmanutha, where he is questioned by Pharisees seeking a sign from heaven. Jesus teaches his disciples that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected before rising again.
Mark 9
Jesus predicts that some of his followers will witness the kingdom of God come with power before they die. He takes Peter, James, and John to a mountain where he is transfigured before them, accompanied by Elijah and Moses. Meanwhile, Jesus heals a boy possessed by an unclean spirit in front of a crowd.
Mark 10
Jesus teaches on marriage and divorce, citing God's original intention for men and women to become one flesh. He also warns against wealth and materialism, saying it is harder for a rich person to enter heaven than a camel through a needle's eye. Jesus then predicts his own death and resurrection in Jerusalem.
Mark 11
Jesus sends two disciples to retrieve a colt for him to ride into Jerusalem, where he cleanses the temple of moneychangers and merchants. He curses a fig tree that has no fruit, teaching his disciples about faith and prayer. Jesus is questioned by the chief priests, scribes, and elders about his authority.
Mark 12
Jesus teaches a parable about a vineyard owner who sends servants to collect fruit, but they are beaten and killed by the husbandmen. The parable is meant to illustrate God's relationship with Israel and his plan for the kingdom of heaven. Later in the chapter, Jesus responds to questions from Pharisees and Sadducees, including one about paying taxes to Caesar.
Mark 13
Jesus warns his disciples about the destruction of Jerusalem and the end times, describing signs such as wars, earthquakes, famines, and false prophets. He also tells them to be prepared for persecution and to watch for the abomination of desolation. The chapter concludes with Jesus' warning to always be vigilant and ready for his return.
Mark 14
Jesus is betrayed by Judas in the Garden of Gethsemane after a Passover meal with his disciples. Jesus predicts Peter's denial and then is arrested by the temple guards. He is taken to the high priest's palace, where he is questioned and eventually condemned to death.
Mark 15
Jesus is taken to Pilate for judgment after being betrayed by Judas. Pilate releases Barabbas, a prisoner who had committed murder in an insurrection, instead of Jesus. Jesus is then scourged and crucified, with two thieves on either side of him.
Mark 16
Mary Magdalene and other women visit Jesus' tomb early Sunday morning to anoint his body, but find it empty. They encounter a young man who tells them Jesus has risen and instructs them to tell his disciples he will meet them in Galilee. The chapter concludes with Jesus appearing to various individuals, including the eleven remaining apostles, and commissioning them to preach the gospel.